Looking for a Commuter Bike--found a Nighthawk 450

[aschem]

Will be commuting 5-6 miles each way to work and decided to look for a commuter bike. I noticed that there are not allot of  bikes for sale around here in the winter.  Came across a very clean, well-maintained 85 Nighthawk 450 with 11K on it and the price is fair (1.5k).  Anybody have any experience riding one of these bikes? The only 80s bikes I rode:Yamaha Virago XV920 and a Honda CB900F.

[Kiwi_Roy]

A lady friend has the same bike, that thing goes like a train for 450 cc she has no trouble keeping up with the Guzzis and she has no hesitation taking off for a weeks camping on it.
She loves that bike ;D

I think they are becoming quite collectable and qualify for a collector plate here, cheap insurance.

[aschem]

Thanks, going to take a look at it later today.

[Perazzimx14]

For 10 to 12 miles round trip unless it's interstate anything pedal type or motorized will do. The biggest hurdle will be anything motorized will have a hard time in cooler weather getting up to ideal operating temp I that short of a distance.

[azccj]

I don't have any experience with the nighthawk 450, but...

If you are secure in your manhood ::), scooters are the perfect commuter bike. Good gas mileage, good weather protection, and very good under seat storage. They can usually be found used with low miles and good prices. And while some use scooters like Goldwings for cross country travel, I would not which is why I have other bikes for long distances. But for around town my go to bike is the Burgman.

[aschem]

Tried the Nighthawk; too small plus some undisclosed issues made it a deal breaker.  I could use a Scooter, I'll check them out.

[azccj]

A nice 400cc scooter gets 65+ mpg and can easily do 70+ mph. If you want to do 100+ mph get the Burgman 650. It really is one of the best bikes I've ever owned and if I could only own one bike the Burg would be it.

[Kiwi_Roy]

A nice 400cc scooter gets 65+ mpg and can easily do 70+ mph. If you want to do 100+ mph get the Burgman 650. It really is one of the best bikes I've ever owned and if I could only own one bike the Burg would be it.

:+1 for the Burgman, my cousin has the 400 that thing can go and corners better than a lot of bikes.

[jas67]

For 10 to 12 miles round trip unless it's interstate anything pedal type or motorized will do. The biggest hurdle will be anything motorized will have a hard time in cooler weather getting up to ideal operating temp I that short of a distance.

Something water cooled would do better for this short trip, as it would warm up faster.   You can pick up a (1983-1985) Honda VT500 Ascott for similar money.  They're water cooled, and have similar weight and power to the Nighthawk 450.    Note that there was also an FT500 Ascott, which was an air cooled thumper.

Other  smaller water cooled bikes that can be had for similar money, and would make good commuters:
Ninja 250
Ninja 500
Honda Shadow 500/600/750 (if not adverse to cruisers)
Honda Hawk GT, aka NT650 (these tend to be closer $2,5000-$3,000 in good shape, but, can be had for less than $2k if you're lucky).

A lot more fun, and only a little more (commonly available for $2,200-$3,000) is the Suzuki SV650.   The SV650 has a 90 degree Vtwin like a Guzzi, albeit, water coold, and turned the other way.   They came in a full naked, and a semi faired, "S" model with clipons.

The bikes I listed are a lot newer than the Nighthawk, and easier to get parts for (not the that '83 Honda is hard, but, you'll likely need to special order and wait for parts).

The Ascott, Shadow, and Hawk GT all use variations on the same 52 degree V-twin.   It is a water cooled motor with 3 valves per cylinder, and an offset crank, making it much smoother than most narrow angle V-twins.   I'd say that vibes were similar to a Guzzi small block.   The stock exhaust on the Hawk GT I had had a pleasing sound to it.

[rocker59]

Bullet proof 1980s Honda twin in standard clothing.

Should be cheap, so will be perfect for economical and disposable commuter transport.

[lrutt]

wish I was that close to work. I'd just bicycle.

[aschem]

Thanks for all the input and advice. Living in the middle of nowhere makes it hard to find a ride that I like.  I like the Ascot idea, and I was thinking of a Versys too.

[old head]

I a 400 and 450 twin new in the early 80's.  Both were good bikes, mileage was decent, not much power at the bottom, but better at the higher rpms.
the 450 I had to replace the ignition module and the ignition key/lock.  The oil filter is  a canister type, not a screw on, unless they changed them later.

both had head gasket leaks, never could get them to seal up, always weeped some.

Also had the ft500 Ascot, liked it much better for round town.  better mileage, lighter, and better at city commuting. IMO.

[redrider]

Parts supply will be the major concern. Regulators, stators and ignition modules are the weak spots. I saw more than a few as a Honda Tech.

[biking sailor]

For that commute, especially if in urban setting, I would look for a Suzuki DRZ400SM, or if the budget will allow, a Yamaha WR250X.  Supermotards, maybe not the most practical but definitely the most fun!  Best way to end your commute with a smile.  ~;

Note: I cannot be held responsible for you getting tickets for wheelies, curb jumping, or other hooligan activities associated with Supermotards. And parking it in your office reception area may be frowned upon.  :+=copcar